Giovanni Battista Vitali
Italian composer and exponent of the violone Giovanni Battista Vitali was born in Bologna on 18 February 1632. He played in the San Petronio orchestra until 1673 and then was appointed as maestro di cappella at the Confraternità del Rosario in Bologna.
From 1674 he worked for the Este family in Modena, where he is likely to have experienced a wider range of musical genres and styles than in Bologna. Here he was very productive as a composer, publishing six collections of music between 1680 and 1685. He served the Este family as maestro di cappella from 1684 until 1686, and he died on 12 October 1692.
Vitali's son, the violinist and teacher Tomaso Antonio Vitali (1663-1745) was also a composer.
A selection of articles about Giovanni Battista Vitali
CD Spotlight. A Musical Goldmine - Gerald Fenech enjoys music by Giovanni Battista Vitali. '... gorgeously crafted music full of melodic sweetness and intensely passionate emotions.'
CD Spotlight - Capritio. Instrumental music from the 17th Century, reviewed by Jennifer Paull. '... ensemble playing at its best. O'Dette is an outstanding performer.'